Austin Powers in Goldmember-Come On, Do A Fat Bastard Spin-Off!
Mike Myers' comedic juggernaut keeps on rolling in the third of the Austin Powers films, Austin Powers in Goldmember. Once more Austin must battle Dr. Evil who this time is planning on destroying the world. What really separates Goldmember from the other two films is that Myers steps up and plays even more characters than in the previous incarnations of the series.
In Goldmember we see Myers playing Austin Power, Dr. Evil, Fat Bastard and Goldmember. The impact is definitely entertaining as we watch Myers rotate from character to character. Another major way this third film differs from the others is the long list of celebrity cameo appearances, which really do add some unexpected chuckles here and there.
Sometimes the truth behind why a film or especially a franchise, is successful can be complicated, however, at other times, its pretty straight-forward business. With the Austin Power films, the franchise is wildly successful, because the films are just flat out funny. Not in the mean spirited, back bitting, finger sandwich, “I can't believe she wore that,” kind of country-club way, but in a human way.
Yes, the films do pander to the lowest common denominator, but so does most of what Hollywood produces, however, what makes the Austin Powers films stand out is that they are entertaining. Myers deserves massive credit for developing the character and Jay Roach also deserves a great deal of accolades for his direction. The films don't simply rely on the jokes and acting to carry the day, but also great attention is given to the well done sets, costuming and art direction. Let's face it, one of the biggest reasons these films struck a cord, was how seriously the Bond films always took themselves. The smugness of the Bond films was always a bit much and the success of Goldmember and the rest of the Austin Powers films certainly taps into that mostly subconscious irritation that most movie-goers may have felt towards the somewhat pompous Bond franchise.
Goldmember grossed slightly less than The Spy Who Shagged me, but not by much. Goldmember, like The Spy Who Shagged Me, goes down as one of the most successful comedies of all time and with good reason. Now, if we can only get a Fat Bastard spin-off.
Story B+
Acting B+
Visuals B+
Originality/Innovation B
Enjoyability Grade A-
Home Theater/HD Factor A
Overall Grade B+ (Perhaps this third film slips a bit, but as much as I dislike sequels in general, it is nice when they are as consistent as the Austin Powers films.)
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